Juneau – The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) have chosen Representative Sam Kito (D-Juneau) as the new Minority Whip. Rep. Kito replaces the late Rep. Max Gruenberg, who passed away last month while in office, as the Minority Whip. The Whip is the second highest leadership position within the Coalition.

Juneau – The Democrats in the Alaska House of Representatives will meet as soon as possible to deliberate on Governor Walker’s choice of Ivy Spohnholz to replace the late Representative Max Gruenberg as the Representative for House District 16.

Juneau – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 23 by a vote of 36-0. The bill, sponsored by Senator Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage), passed the Alaska Senate last year by a vote of 19-1.

Juneau – Today, Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner issued a ruling in the case brought by the Alaska Legislative Council against Alaska Governor Bill Walker over his decision last year to expand Medicaid without legislative approval. Judge Pfiffner found that the Social Security Act requires Medicaid expansion, and that existing state law required Governor Walker to provide Medicaid to the group of Alaskans eligible for expansion. In his 26-page ruling, Judge Pfiffner granted the Governor’s motion for summary judgement and dismissed the case brought by the Alaska Legislative Council, which is made up of ten members of the Alaska Legislature.

Friday marks the 39th day of Session, which means we’re closing in on the halfway point. Read on for updates on upcoming public testimony opportunities, the latest budget developments, and several exciting programs/deadlines in my Heads Up section.